Student Success Advocate

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State University’s University Park Campus, within Undergraduate Education, seeks a Student Success Advocate at the Student Success Professional—Advanced or Intermediate level. The role works directly with students and supports Center programs and initiatives, including Academic Success Coaching, First-Gen Student Support Initiatives, the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP), and Peer Success Coaching. The Advocate provides advocacy and academic and life skills coaching to students participating in these programs and helps build and maintain University-wide partnerships with academic and student support offices to deliver integrated support. The role also contributes to student records, communications, annual reports, and the Center’s strategy, goals, and action plans. The successful candidate will be innovative and collaborative, committed to student success, and experienced in implementing college student support programs and services. The position is filled at the advanced or intermediate level based on qualifications and experience. Advanced-level qualifications include a master’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Intermediate-level qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No certifications are required. If the candidate is not already certified as an Academic Life Coach, the required certification for coaching will be supported. The position requires PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Review of applications begins November 9, 2026 and continues until the position is filled. Applications must include a current resume, a cover letter addressing alignment with the position’s education, experience, and essential qualities and skills, and three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The salary range, including all possible grades, is $44,628–$71,340. Penn State offers full-time employees a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children. Remote or hybrid work approval is not guaranteed.

Requirements

For the advanced professional level: master’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For the intermediate professional level: bachelor’s degree and 1 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Commitment to student success.
Excellent public speaking and communication abilities.
Creativity and the ability to work well with students, faculty, staff, and others.
Problem-solving ability and sound judgment.
Experience applying technology to support student success.
Experience implementing college student support programs and services.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build successful relationships with colleagues, students, faculty, and staff.
Dependability and commitment to the University and student success.
Confidence facilitating large- and small-scale presentations.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
Computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database systems.
Authorization to work in the U.S.
Required clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
Application must include a current resume, a cover letter addressing alignment with the stated qualifications, and three professional references.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with academic advising, academic coaching, or career coaching.
Event planning experience.
Student supervision experience.
Student case management experience.
Existing Academic Life Coach certification; certification support is available if not already certified.

Responsibilities

Serve as an Academic Success Coach within the Center’s coaching program; required Academic Life Coach certification will be supported if the candidate is not already certified.
Work with an assigned caseload of students to develop success plans and support their goals.
Maintain student case records in applicable online case management systems.
Review reports and records to identify the need for specialized services and referrals.
Collaborate with students and University contacts to coordinate student success strategies and programming.
Coordinate one or more Center initiatives, which may include first-generation student support, the LEAP summer start experience, peer success coaching, or academic resource development and dissemination.
Assist in reviewing and developing policies, procedures, and training to support Center efficiency.
Assess outcomes and develop strategies to improve services, programs, facilities, and communications with Center staff.
Assist with onboarding and training undergraduate student employees and provide input for performance evaluations.
Collaborate with the Center team on annual reports and future strategic goals and initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.